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This topic describes when an early claim for FTB, baby bonus and MIA may be made and the deferral of determination of early claims. More detailed descriptions of the claim process for these payments are provided at 4.2 for FTB and 4.5 for baby bonus and MIA.
Claims for FTB by instalment and claims for baby bonus and MIA may be made up to 97 days before the expected DOB of the child or the day the child is expected to enter the care of the individual making the claim. The day that the child is expected to be born or to enter the individual's care is the day the child is expected to become an FTB child of the individual. Early claims are subject to deferral rules.
Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 3(1)-'early claim day'
Policy reference: FA Guide 2.1.1.10 FTB Child
If an individual makes an early claim for payment of FTB by instalment or for payment of baby bonus and the Secretary is satisfied that the individual is likely to be eligible for FTB or for baby bonus in respect of the child if the child were to become an FTB child of the individual, the Secretary must defer determination of the claim until the earlier of the following:
Example: Sarah is expecting her first child on 2 January 2011 and lodges her claim for family assistance in October 2010. Sarah gives birth to her child on 4 January 2011 and provides proof of her child's birth to the FAO on 16 January 2011. The FAO can determine Sarah's claim, effective from 4 January 2011.
Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 15B Deferral of determination of early claims, section 41(3) Deferral of "normal circumstances" baby bonus determination pending birth etc. of child
If an individual makes an early claim for payment of MIA and the Secretary is satisfied that the individual would either be likely to be eligible for FTB in respect of the child or be likely to be eligible except that the individual's rate of FTB would be nil if the child were to become an FTB child of the individual, the Secretary must defer determination of the claim until the earlier of the following:
Note: An individual cannot be eligible for MIA for their child until immunisation requirements are met and there are timeframes relating to immunisation for MIA purposes. MIA is therefore also subject to deferral rules relating to meeting immunisation requirements (4.5.2).
Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 41(4A) Deferral of "normal circumstances" maternity immunisation allowance determination pending birth etc. of child
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Last reviewed: 1 October 2010
